Carcassonne (Nov. 1, 2024):
Mirepoix
Carcassonne
Lagrasse
Fontfroide Abbey
Narbonne
Gruissan
Pezenas
Seté
Montpellier
Aigues-Mortes
Nîmes
Arles
Avignon
Marseilles
Ouch
Lourdes
Panticosa (Huesca, Spain)
History of Carcassonne in a few lines:
Origins:
Carcassonne has ancient roots dating back to a Gallic settlement of the 6th century BC. Later it was Romanized under the name Carcaso, becoming a strategic point due to its elevated and fortified position.
Middle Ages:
It reached its greatest splendor during the Middle Ages. It was a key fortress in the Languedoc region and played a central role during the Albigensian Crusade in the 13th century. Its citadel, the Cité, was reinforced and transformed into an impressive medieval fortification.
19th Century:
In the 19th century, the city was in ruins and about to be demolished, but architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc carried out one of Europe's most famous restorations, returning the city to its iconic medieval appearance.
Present:
Today, Carcassonne is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its walled city attracts millions of visitors each year and is one of France's great historical symbols.
Yes, it's definitely worth it (I'm talking about the walled enclosure; the city itself isn't much to see). Although it's not excessively large and the prices are tourist-friendly, it has a special charm. And while it's obviously more expensive, you absolutely must stay in accommodation within the walls. We were on a long trip, traveling with our small wheeled suitcases—cabin-sized, but suitcases nonetheless—and we were perfectly happy until we entered the walled area where the ground is cobbled, but not the old-fashioned kind that's more or less smooth. There are hills, and to top it off, we entered through the exact opposite gate. So, the most important advice if you're having a long trip is to just take your backpack for the night, period. 😁 Another recommendation: bring bath salts for a relaxing soak with a glass of wine.
Hotel: The Demeure of the City by Jean Bacou: We loved everything:
Carcassonne goes very well with Narbonne, a nearby city, perfect for completing a historical and gastronomic route through the south of France and traveling to Andorra from Madrid In winter, it allows you to combine skiing in Grandvalira with tax-free shopping…
Hotel: The Demeure of the City by Jean Bacou: €97, 2 people, 1 night with good breakfast.
Information obtained from the web https://www.exteriores.gob.es
Passport/ID: Both are valid.
European Health Insurance Card: It's necessary, it's very easy to order online and they send it to your home. Request.
Vaccines: There are no mandatory vaccinations for entry.
International driving permit: There's no need. DGT.
Payment card/currency exchange: we always go with Revolut definitely.
Roaming: Yeah there is.
GPS: Maps.me Download the maps for Spain and they work great offline, whether you're on foot, by car, or on public transport. But Google Maps also works.
Where to eat: If you want to eat at a restaurant, there's also the app. TheFork which has many discounts. If you book with the code 7C1B79A3 When you are finishing the booking, you will get 1000 Yums = €10 discount at your next meal. In addition to other special offers they often have, or simply to accumulate points and use them for discounts on your next payments.
It operates in several countries, including Spain, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Portugal, Denmark, Sweden, and Australia.
Practical tips for traveling to Andorra
If you travel to Andorra in winter from Madrid, One of the quickest options is to go by car, which takes about 6 hours, something often overlooked compared to flying. Furthermore, areas like Grandvalira are usually more accessible during the week than on weekends. Andorra is one of Europe's most versatile destinations, ideal for both winter and summer, combining nature, shopping, and accessible routes in just a few days.
Other destinations in France: 
